Anchoring Spinel MnCo₂S₄ on Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Counter Electrodes for Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Ternary spinel MnCo2S4 was anchored on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a two-step method of precursor preparation followed by ion exchange, and employed as efficient counter electrodes for quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Electrochemical tests show that the interface charge transfer resistance (R ct) of MnCo2S4 is only 2.86 Ω and the R ct of MnCo2S4/CNTs further decrease to 1.09 Ω, suggesting both MnCo2S4 and its composite exhibit excellent catalytic activity for S n 2– reduction. The power conversion efficiencies of QDSSC assembled CdS/CdSe QD photoanodes with MnCo2S4 and MnCo2S4/CNTs counter electrodes reach 2.98 and 4.85%, respectively. The better photovoltaic performance of the QDSSC based on MnCo2S4/CNTs is mainly ascribed to the synergistic effect of the excellent electrocatalytic activity of MnCo2S4 itself and the conductivity of CNTs. The addition of CNTs not only significantly reduces the size of MnCo2S4 and increases catalytic activity sites, but also forms a cross-linked conductive network to accelerate the delivery of electrons. Due to the excellent reducing ability for S n 2–, MnCo2S4/CNTs is expected to be a competitive counter electrode material for efficient QDSSCs.

Graphene Quantum Dots Embedded in NiCo2S4/MWCNT Nanocomposite as a Promising Candidate for Supercapacitors and I3– Reduction in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Hence wrapping the metal sulfide with the carbon materials has a better outlook for increasing the electrocatalytic activity and PCE . Apart from MWCNTs, GQDs possess unique advantages, i.e., high electron extraction, quantum confinement effect, and a multi-exciton effect. , To compare the electrode encapsulated with MWCNTs and GQDs, the researcher found that a ternary metal sulfide with MWCNTs/GQDs shows the best result due to the large surface area and abundant active sites. Furthermore, the samples were employed as a working electrode, and the effect on the supercapacitor performance was studied.…”

Boosting the Multifunctional Properties of MnCo2O4‐MnCo2S4 Heterostructure for Portable All‐Solid‐State Symmetric Supercapacitor, Methanol Oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…The sharp peak at 613 could corresponds to the lattice vibration of MnÀ O and MnÀ S. The small shoulder observed in the range of 430-455 cm À 1 along with the sharp peak at 485 cm À 1 is related to the CoÀ S bonding vibrations. [40] The peak observed at 312 and 350 cm À 1 is related to the MnÀ O bond. [41] The sharp peak observed at 190 cm À 1 corresponds to the stretching mode of CoÀ O bonds.…”

Three‐Dimensional Porous MnCo2S4 Microrugby Balls Supported on Carbon Cloth for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

“…It can be seen that an additional satellite peak located at 169.0 eV, which is due to the high surface oxidation state of sulfur, such as sulfate(SO 4 2À ). [20] The peaks described above are the typical metal sulfur bond in the ternary metal sulphide. In conclusion, the above results confirm that the chemical composition contained Mn 3 + , Mn 2 + , Co 3 + , Co 2 + and S 2À in the near-surface of MnCo 2 S 4 /CC.…”

“…What's more, TMSs can be expediently obtained by sulfurization of transition metal oxides/hydroxides with designed structure and morphology. Among them, MnCo 2 S 4 shows outstanding electrochemical performance in high‐performance supercapacitors, [17] electrochemical water splitting, [18] sodium‐ion battery [19] and other electrochemical fields [20] . Zhang et al.…”